Lake Proctor running over

Tuesday

Jun 5, 2007 at 12:01 AM

Praise the Lord and pass the biscuits!

Lake Proctor is full and running over so this week lake goers may have to resort to Plan B for entertainment.

According to Tonya Lippe, support services specialist for the lake, maintenance workers were scrambling over the weekend and Monday morning to help move campers to higher elevations and to pull breakers from boxes at the camp sites.

“Yesterday (Sunday) workers were standing in water at Sowell Creek Park to pull breakers,” Lippe said.

Lippe said both the Leon and Sabanna rivers were out of banks over the weekend and they are main feeders for the lake.

A full water elevation is 1,162 feet, Lippe said.

“Right now we’re at 1,166.55 which is four and a half feet higher than full pool,” Lippe said. “Anything above 1,162 puts us into a flood pool.”

Lippe said all of the boat ramps are closed to prevent damage except for the day ramp at Copperas Creek between Proctor and Comanche. But even that ramp has the potential to close if more rainfall is received, she said.

“Quite a few camping sites are closed in all three parks (Sowell Creek, Copperas Creek and Promontory parks),” Lippe said. “Possibly more sites could be shut down but right now it looks like the rivers have leveled off and we’ve gotten the majority of our in flow.”

Lippe said recreationalists out on the water should use caution.

“Trees are covered now that weren’t before,” she said. “Picnic tables are under water.”

Along with all the water from the two rivers, Lippe said a lot of trash and a few trees are washing into the lake. Everyone should proceed cautiously because of a higher than normal amount of debris in the water and gatekeepers are warning people as they come in, Lippe said.

Lippe said on February 4 the lake was 9 feet low and the first time they saw it rise significantly was in April. She said this is the first time areas have been closed since November 26, 2004 when the water elevation was 1,167.57 feet.

“It’ll be a good way to go into the summer,” Lippe said.

Those with camping reservations or who plan to go to the lake for a daytime outing should call 254-879-2424.

Lippe said the phones have been busy so please be patient. A heavier call volume means you may have to leave a message and wait for a return call, she said.

ANGELIA JOINER is a staff writer for the Empire-Tribune. She can be reached at angelia.joiner@empiretribune.com or (254) 965-3124,ext. 238

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